San José City Tour, San José
Explore San José's cultural highlights, such as the National Theater and local markets with a knowledgable local guide.
Great tour of the city with a great tour guide via car. Museum tour and food at the end were also great.
Oscar was great. It was a great start to our trip - we learned so much about Costa Rica. And had a great dinner!
I loved the visit to San Jose and its museums. Our guide was great.
Overview
Begin your cultural immersion with an orientation and tour of the Park of La Sabana, followed by visits to historical sites such as the National Theater and the Costa Rican Gold Museum, as well as stops at points of interest throughout the city.
Highlights
- Wander through the beautiful Park of La Sabana with a knowledgeable guide
- Admire the stunning architecture of the National Theater, a national monument built by Costa Ricans in 1897
- Learn about the country's history at the Costa Rican Gold Museum, home to a stunning collection of pre-Columbian artifacts
- Discover the local culture, politics, and religions through visits to sites like the National Stadium, the University of Costa Rica, and the national liquor factory
Know before you go
5 hours
All ages
Small group
Lunch Included
What you'll do
The National Theater is one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country, and your guide will provide an introduction to its history and architecture before you explore the building. Admire the stunning interior, with its ornate decorations and intricate details, and learn about the various performances that have taken place on its stage.
Next, you'll visit the Costa Rican Gold Museum, where you'll learn about the country's pre-Columbian history and see a stunning collection of artifacts made from gold, as well as other materials like jade and ceramic. Your guide will provide context for the exhibits and answer any questions you may have.
Throughout the tour, you'll make several stops at points of interest throughout the city, including the National Stadium, the University of Costa Rica, a former train station, and the national liquor factory. Your guide will provide information about each location and its significance to the local culture, politics, and religions.
This tour is the perfect introduction to San José, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture.
Start times
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Daily8:00 am, 1:00 pm
What's included
- Bilingual guide
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Day Trip to Doka Coffee Plantations, Poás Volcano, & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Coffee with a Sloth at Toucan Rescue Center
Located just a 30 minutes drive from downtown San José, The Toucan Rescue Center offers a unique opportunity to escape the fast paced city and encounter Costa Rica's fascinating wildlife. If you don't have a rental car, you can easily ask the front desk of your hotel to call you a taxi (generally around $20 USD one way). The hotel staff can provide you with a number to call for a return taxi or you can ask the rescue center's staff to help you call one.
Upon arrival at the center, you'll spend a few hours enjoying adorable sloths and delicious coffee on this two-for-one guided walk. Sip some delicious brew made from the sanctuary's partners at Cafe Britt while watching young sloths enjoy their morning exercise, breakfast, and sometimes even a bathroom break (a once-a-day activity for most sloths).
This educational walk is an opportunity for sloth lovers to get close to their favorite animal. You'll learn all about the history and mission of the rescue center from your guide, and even meet some of the dozens of other animal species that are taken in and rehabilitated at the center.
Costa Rican coffee is great, but nothing beats enjoying it with a cuddly sloth!
Traveler photos
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